congressman tom cole asked about that earlier today. this was his answer. take a listen. >> he had the complete support of everybody for plan "b" and support in terms of speakership for most of the members opposed so this is a tactical debate and discussion and not over the leadership of john boehner. he will be the speaker. not for two years but for four. >> is it better for the white house for him to be speaker? >> i think what the congressman just alluded to was a little bit of a bait and switch because what majority leader reid is pointing out is that first and foremost it appears that speaker boehner wants to be re-elected as speaker. doing something now prior to the new congress to come in, could threaten the re-election as speaker. if he can put this off until he's firmly established the speakership for the next congress, and then does a deal, presumably he would be buying himself some more time. i guess. i'm trying to think what's forcing this man to do this but you heard the congresswoman bass say if you would bring it up for a vote, anything, eith